Church robes focus in George Pell case

A witness believes Cardinal George Pell would not have been able to remove the ceremonial robes he was wearing on the day he is accused of committing a sex offence.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also said he does not believe the alleged incident occurred based on his knowledge of a church's layout.

Pell, 76, has been charged with multiple historical sex offences, which he is fighting at a committal hearing before Melbourne Magistrates Court that will determine if he stands trial.

A parish staff member on Thursday said the ceremonial robes worn by Pell at the time of an alleged offence were heavy and consisted of multiple layers.

"If we take the entirety of what he is wearing, which you have described in your statement, it was a significant number of items, correct? Heavy?" defence barrister Ruth Shann said during cross-examination.